“Unlike the true sea beans, the Mary’s bean is produced by a beach vine of the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae). The vine is native to beaches of Central America, and the seeds occasionally drift ashore on beaches of southern Florida. In northern Europe the Mary’s bean was a special find to pious beachcombers. The seed had obviously survived the ocean and would extend its protection to anyone lucky enough to own one. It is also called crucifixion bean because of the cross etched on one side. A woman in labor was assured an easy delivery if she clenched a Mary’s bean in her hand. Seeds were handed down from mother to daughter as treasured keepsakes. The Mary’s bean is also one of the most elusive of all drift seeds.”